The big event at Saint David’s next week is the Balise Memorial 5km walk-run in School Street Park in Agawam. (If you are interested in participating, it’s not too late! Register online at https://www.runreg.com/mike-balise-memorial-5k-walkrun. All profits go to support children at Saint David’s and in the Agawam area.)

Mike Balise loved kids and did a lot for them. Appropriately, the race is during Father’s Day weekend. And next fall my younger son will be joining his brother at college, making me an empty-nester. All of that has got me thinking about the needs of children.

I have been lucky. My own children have not had any major problems. But I think about all the children who do. The ones who have various behavioral and/or learning issues. The ones who come from dysfunctional or abusive families. The ones whose families do not have the resources to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, medicine, education, or whatever.

I didn’t know Mike Balise well. But I really admire anyone who remembers those kids and does what he or she can to help. I am proud of the people at Saint David’s who share Mike’s commitment. And I hope the Balise Memorial Race raises lots of money to continue Mike’s legacy of helping children throughout Agawam.